In consultation with a team of local and regional advisors, the Bibb House Museum is undergoing a major transformation -- refocusing its purpose to better support the true historical significance of the home.
John Egerton, noted Southern author and historian, Dr. Ann Butler, director of the Center of Excellence for the Study of African Americans at Kentucky State University, and Tommy Hines, the curator of the Shaker Museum at South Union, have joined with Historic Russellville Inc. to redevelop the museum into a regional living history and educational center.
The stately, Palladian-style mansion was built in 1817 by Revolutionary War Major Richard Bibb, one of the largest slaveholders in the region. Throughout the years, however, Bibb changed his views on slavery. In 1829, he freed 31 people, and the remaining 51enslaved people were freed in 1839 by Major Bibb’s will.
Bibb was one of the leaders of the Kentucky Colonization Society, and the former slaves who received their freedom in 1829 were sent by him to Liberia. This concept was not very successful, and Major Bibb’s will gave those freed at his death a choice: to be sent to Liberia or to receive land in Logan County. All chose to stay here, and they were settled into two areas of the county that became known as “Bibbtown.” Living free in that era was difficult, and Bibb’s family was heavily involved in helping the former slaves adjust to their new freedom.
Similar historic events have been the focus of many of HR’s exhibits at the Saddle Factory Museum and the West Ky African American Heritage Center - dealing with issues such as the civil war, the civil rights movement, segregation and lynchings. A natural extension of these themes is the story of the Bibb slaves - a story that has been “tucked away” for generations.
Local historian Michael Morrow has uncovered extensive documentation on the Bibb family and the people who were enslaved by them at Louisville’s Filson Club and in other sources. The genealogy of the former Bibb slaves has uncovered links to Muhammad Ali, actor Leon Bibb and his son, musician, Eric Bibb.
The most important focus of the revitalized museum will be developing educational programs for children throughout the region. Unlike many house museums that only showcase a “way of life,” a significant historic eventtook place on the Bibb House grounds. Historic Russellville, Inc. is also making plans to partner with higher education institutions to provide ongoing educational activities, seminars and workshops.Initial plans for the house include:
· Renovating the house and grounds to improve public accessibility, repairing the roof and interior plaster and updating the plumbing and electrical systems.
· De-accessioning items that are not relevant to either the home’s history, local history or to Miss Agnes Davis, who donated the house to the public in 1978. This is being done in accordance with the supervision of the local district court, and all sale proceeds and expenditures will be reported to this court as all previous financial transactions have been.
· Temporarily closing the property while these changes are made. Upon reopening, the house will be available for tours and the grounds, which are maintained by the Logan County Garden Club, will be available for outdoor weddings, receptions and social events, in addition to the expanded educational uses of the property.
Historic Russellville Inc serves as Trustee of the charitable trust created by Miss Davis’ will. It is a non-profit organization that has restored seven buildings in Russellville for use as museums, archival processing and storage and a visitor center. Further information about the Bibb House project is available by contacting the organization at 726-4181 or P O Box 116 in Russellville.